You're not alone. Here's a safe place, a growing place, a way out of the shadows of grief . . . This blog provides resources and Biblical direction for helping you trust Jesus through one of life's most difficult challenges.

Pages

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

A news article last week raised my eyebrow, and my claws--- but the title is misleading.

Widows Getting Cheated Out of Social Security Really? A title like that brings to mind deliberate oversights by Social Security administration. They throw enough red tape and hassle at a widow anyway, but--thank goodness-- they're not out to deliberately cheat widows at this point.

What the article really emphasizes is how a married couple can go to a financial planner, and select their retirement goals and plans without considering the likely scenario of what will happen if the wife is widowed. Shame on the financial planner!

Moral of the story--- even though your husband's gone, check into your Social Security benefits and any distribution options you may have already selected. Make sure you understand the long range outcomes. Find out if you have any better options.

Today I posted "Find the Papers & You'll Find the $$$" up at the top of this blog. Although it's intended to help new widows prepare for the days to come, other readers might find some good tips too. If you have other $ tips for widows, please chime in so we can all learn from each other. Thanks!

2 comments:

I saw that title on Yahoo yesterday and immediately clicked on the link to read the article. I came across a lot of these types of "financial planners" when I had my tax business. I was glad to see that Social Security is trying to get the FP to see the "whole" picture. An interesting line in the article states that a widow could start to collect on her husbands benefits at an earlier age and then when she reaches full retirement age, if her benefits on her work history are larger, she could switch to the larger amount. Currently, my husbands benefits are higher than mine, but I am still working part-time and adding to my benefits. I am going to check into collecting the widows benefits when I turn 60 - now that I know I may be able to switch to my own benefits at age 67.

thank you, Teri! It's always good to hear from someone in the industry. If you have other tips or come across other articles please send them my way too, ok? All the info we can gather helps widows ask the right questions and make informed decisions. As much as I'd personally like to, we never should just put our brain in neutral and let others decide everything for us. It sounds like you've got some options that would also apply to many others---and you know them---which, as the article points out, many women do not. thanks again!

Thank you for taking the time to comment. I am not always able to reply but your remarks mean a lot to me and will appear as soon as possible.

Here are some tips for commenting: Remember to click the Publish button when you're done. Choosing the anonymous identity is easiest if you do not have your own blog.Using a computer rather than a cell phone seems to work better. Thanks again!

Ferree's book ...

"...one of the BEST books I've read for Widows!" Kathy E., widow

You're Invited . . .

Take hope, my friend, join in and watch the darkness turn to light and gather strength for your journey. You'll see the ways others have struggled, survived and thrived. You'll discover key Scriptures and insights from God's Word that will feed your soul and give you hope. Click on the Memorial Wall tab above, pray for these women and add your own listing. This blog is about you and God's work in the hearts of widows!

As we grieve, life continues on around us; we need to make adjustments and function inspite of our struggles. So this blog not only addresses grief and gives you role models, it also looks at the single-living skills, spiritual disciplines, laughter, rest and the renewing worship you'll need to juggle.

Some articles are food for thought, some are quick and helpful tips, and every once in a while we'll get just plain silly because laughter is still good medicine.

There's a new life waiting to meet you, and a new hope waiting to bloom in your heart. But don't worry about that for now. God knows you want your old life back. He understands. So for now, just visit, rest, relax and renew for the journey ahead.

Contributors

FeedBurner FeedCount

If you are feeling overwhelmed, desperate, anxious or depressed please contact nearby professionals such as your local pastor and your healthcare provider immediately. The help offered at this blog is not intended as a substitute for professional counseling or healthcare.

References to websites, books, organizations, people, photos and other resources and listings are not my personal endorsements in all cases at all times.